2012 NHL trade deadline: Brian Burke opens up about Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs were one of the quieter teams at the trade deadline. But thankfully general manager Brian Burke filled the silence by speaking about everything from the distractions of playing in a Canadian market to whether his coach’s job is on the line:

Related

On the trade deadline being a distraction:
“It’s to the point where I’m debating whether I do what I do around Christmas … starting our own trade freeze 10 days before. That’s how distracting it is. We just had this discussion upstairs and I’m wondering if I have to do that here, because Clarke MacArthur’s been traded 10 times, Grabovski’s been traded 12 times … Luke Schenn’s been traded 50 times. I think the trade deadline is hard on players, but I think it’s murder on players in Toronto. And we just had a serious debate whether next year we’re going to do this 10 days earlier so the players can relax.”

On the challenges of playing in Toronto:
“It is different here. And I’m not blaming the media or being critical. That’s life. It’s part of why people love this team. It’s the coverage. It’s part of the reason why it’s so special to play here. But there are times in the year where it’s a big millstone.”

On trusting his goaltenders:
“From my perspective, James Reimer is the real deal and the fact is that he’s scuffling right now. And we wouldn’t be in the hunt without Jonas Gustavsson. He’s the reason we’re in the hunt. He’s bailed us out twice when James was hurt and when James stumbled during the season. The Monster’s been the reason we’ve been able to stay in the hunt. And we’re very much alive in the hunt right now.”

On whether Ron Wilson is on the hot seat:
“If we don’t get into the playoffs, I’m sure there’s lots of things that have to be looked at. But that’s not something that we’re focussed on today. I haven’t had any discussions about a coaching change. That’s a very popular topic in your circle, not mine.”

On whether anyone asked for Jake Gardiner:
“They were short conversations. ‘Is Jake Gardiner a guy that I’d move?’ ‘No. Move on.’ I think what you’re seeing with Jake is a guy with special gifts. We don’t know where that goes from here. Is he Duncan Keith? Is he Kris Letang? [Gardiner] wasn’t going anywhere.”

On re-signing Mikhail Grabovski:
“It’s not a done deal, but we’re pretty comfortable that we’re going to sign him before the year is over.”